New 'mummy' film scares up a different kind of horror

Forget Brendan Fraser and sweeping desert adventures – a new take on 'The Mummy' is slithering into theaters in just ten days, and it’s trading ancient curses for a far more unsettling, psychological terror.

A stark departure from the action-packed franchise

While Warner Bros. is still prepping a full-blown reboot slated for a 2028 release (seemingly determined to ignore the already-existing ‘Dragon’s Tomb’ sequel), audiences won't have to wait nearly as long for a fresh dose of the iconic monster. This latest iteration, helmed by 'Hereditary' director Lee Cronin, and starring Laia Costa, bears little resemblance to the beloved action-adventure franchise that captivated audiences over two decades ago. The studio’s bizarre marketing strategy—repeatedly reminding social media users that Fraser isn't involved—is. well, let's just call it an unusual attempt at generating buzz.

The premise, revealed on the Warner Bros. website, is a chilling departure from the familiar narrative. A journalist’s daughter vanishes in the desert, only to reappear eight years later, seemingly unharmed. What should be a joyous reunion quickly descends into a horrifying nightmare. It's a far cry from the globe-trotting tomb raiding we’ve come to expect, leaning instead into the unsettling atmosphere of films like 'The Conjuring' universe.

The trailer, which you can view here, offers a glimpse into this unsettling new direction. It’s a significantly smaller-scale production than Tom Cruise's previous attempt to resurrect the franchise, which, despite the star power, failed to resonate with audiences. Whether Cronin's vision can succeed where Cruise faltered remains to be seen, but the shift in tone is undeniable.

This film isn't for those craving the nostalgic thrills of the original, but for viewers seeking a genuinely creepy, character-driven horror experience, ‘The Mummy’ from Lee Cronin might just deliver the scares.